Systems and methods for providing video presentation and video analytics for live sporting events

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for video presentation and analytics for live sporting events are disclosed. At least two cameras are used for tracking objects during a live sporting event and generate video feeds to a server processor. The server processor is operable to match the video feeds and create a  3 D model of the world based on the video feeds from the at least two cameras.  2 D graphics are created from different perspectives based on the  3 D model. Statistical data and analytical data related to object movement are produced and displayed on the  2 D graphics. The present invention also provides a standard file format for object movement in space over a timeline across multiple sports.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The application is related to and claims priority from the followingU.S. patent documents: this application claims priority from U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/624,534, filed Jan. 31, 2018,which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to systems and methods for providing videopresentation and video analytics for live sporting events. Moreparticularly, for providing movement data of an object in a livesporting event based on video processing.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Exemplary US Patent Documents relevant to the prior art include:

U.S. Pat. No. 9,094,615 for “Automatic event videoing, tracking andcontent generation” by James A. Aman et al., filed Apr. 18, 2005 andissued Jul. 28, 2015, describes an automatics system 100 that uses oneto three grids 20 cm of overhead cameras 20 c to first video an eventarea 2. Overall bandwidth is greatly reduced by intelligent hubs 26 thatextract foreground blocks 10 m based upon initial and continuouslyupdated background images 2 r. The hubs also analyze current images 10 cto constantly locate, classify and track in 3D the limited number ofexpected foreground objects 10. As objects 10 of interest are tracked,the system automatically directs ptz perspective view cameras 40 c tofollow the activities. These asynchronous cameras 40 c limit theirimages to defined repeatable pt angles and zoom depths. Pre-capturedvenue backgrounds 2 r at each repeatable ptz setting facilitateperspective foreground extraction. The moving background, such asspectators 13, is removed with various techniques including stereoscopicside cameras 40 c-b and 40c-c flanking each perspective camera 40 c. Thetracking data 101 derived from the overhead view 102 establishes eventperformance measurement and analysis data 701. The analysis results instatistics and descriptive performance tokens 702 translatable viaspeech synthesis into audible descriptions of the event activitiescorresponding to overhead 102 and perspective video 202.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,406,131 for “Method and system for generating a 3Drepresentation of a dynamically changing 3D scene” by Stephan Wurmlin etal., filed on May 24, 2007 and issued on Aug. 02, 2016, describes amethod for generating a 3D representation of a dynamically changing 3Dscene, which includes the steps of: acquiring at least two synchronisedvideo streams (120) from at least two cameras located at differentlocations and observing the same 3D scene (102); determining cameraparameters, which comprise the orientation and zoom setting, for the atleast two cameras (103); tracking the movement of objects (310 a,b, 312a,b; 330 a,b, 331 a,b, 332 a,b; 410 a,b, 411 a,b; 430 a,b, 431 a,b; 420a,b, 421 a,b) in the at least two video streams (104); determining theidentity of the objects in the at least two video streams (105);determining the 3D position of the objects by combining the informationfrom the at least two video streams (106); wherein the step of tracking(104) the movement of objects in the at least two video streams usesposition information derived from the 3D position of the objects in oneor more earlier instants in time. As a result, the quality, speed androbustness of the 2D tracking in the video streams is improved.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,315,432 for “Augmented reality method and devices usinga real time automatic tracking of marker-free textured planargeometrical objects in a video stream” by Valentin Lefevre et al., filedJan. 18, 2008 and issued Nov. 20, 2012, describes a method and devicesfor the real-time tracking of one or more substantially planargeometrical objects of a real scene in at least two images of a videostream for an augmented-reality application. After receiving a firstimage of the video stream (300), the first image including the object tobe tracked, the position and orientation of the object in the firstimage are determined from a plurality of previously determined imageblocks (320), each image block of said plurality of image blocks beingassociated with an exposure of the object to be tracked. The first imageand the position and the orientation of the object to be tracked in thefirst image define a key image. After receiving a second image from thevideo stream, the position and orientation of the object to be trackedin the second image are evaluated from the key image (300). The secondimage and the corresponding position and orientation of the object to betracked can be stored as a key image. If the position and theorientation of the object to be tracked cannot be found again in thesecond image from the key image, the position and the orientation ofthis object in the second image are determined from the plurality ofimage blocks and the related exposures (320).

U.S. Pat. No. 8,279,286 for “Apparatus and method of object tracking” byDavid Wagg et al., filed on Sep. 04, 2008 and issued Oct. 02, 2012,describes a method of extracting image features from objects on a planewithin video images; detecting the objects from a relative position onthe plane by comparing the extracted image features with sample imagefeatures; and generating object identification data identifying theobjects on the plane. The method includes generating a 3D model of theplane and logging object identification data and object path data, theobject path data including a time history of object position on the 3Dmodel and a path of the objects within the video images. The method alsoincludes detecting an occlusion event indicating whether object featuresare occluded; associating object identification data with object pathdata for objects in the occlusion event; identifying one of the objectsinvolved in the occlusion event by comparing the objects image featuresand the sample image features; and updating the path data after theidentification.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,138,963 for “Method for automatically tracking objectsin augmented reality” by Andrew W. Hobgood et al., filed on Apr. 16,2004 and issued Nov. 21, 2006, describes a method for displayingotherwise unseen objects and other data using augmented reality (themixing of real view with computer generated imagery). The method uses amotorized camera mount that can report the position of a camera on thatmount back to a computer. With knowledge of where the camera is looking,and the size of its field of view, the computer can precisely overlaycomputer-generated imagery onto the video image produced by the camera.The method may be used to present to a user such items as existingweather conditions, hazards, or other data, and presents thisinformation to the user by combining the computer generated images withthe user's real environment. These images are presented in such a way asto display relevant location and properties of the object to the systemuser. The primary intended applications are as navigation aids for airtraffic controllers and pilots in training and operations, and use withemergency first responder training and operations to view andavoid/alleviate hazardous material situations, however the system can beused to display any imagery that needs to correspond to locations in thereal world.

US Publication No. 2017.0098331 for “System and method for reproducingobjects in 3d scene” by Maoshan Jiang et al., filed on Sep. 24, 2015 andpublished Apr. 06, 2017, describes a system and a method for reproducingan object in a 3D scene. The system comprises an object acquiring unitconfigured to simultaneously acquire at least two channels of videostream data in real time at different angles for an object to bedisplayed; an object recognizing unit configured to recognize a shape ofthe object varying in real time from the at least two channels of videostream data; an object tracking unit configured to obtain correspondingobject motion trajectory according to the shape of the object varying inreal time; and an object projecting unit configured to process the shapeof the object varying in real time and the corresponding object motiontrajectory into a 3D image and superposition-project the 3D image intothe 3D scene in real time. The technical solutions of the presentdisclosure can reproduce the object in the 3D scene, and achieve thepurpose of displaying the real object in the 3D scene.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides systems and methods for videopresentation and analytics for live sporting events. At least twotracking cameras are used for tracking objects during a live sportingevent and generate video feeds to a server processor. The serverprocessor is operable to match the video feeds and create a 3D model ofthe world based on the video feeds from the at least two trackingcameras. 2D graphics are created from different perspectives based onthe 3D model. Statistical data and analytical data related to objectmovement are produced and displayed on the 2D graphics. The presentinvention also provides a standard file format for object movement inspace over a timeline across multiple sports.

These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent tothose skilled in the art after a reading of the following description ofthe preferred embodiment when considered with the drawings, as theysupport the claimed invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a screenshot showing a camera view and a 2D graphic with a topview illustrating a collision in a curling event according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a screenshot showing a camera view and a 2D graphic with aperspective from the center of the house illustrating a collision in acurling event in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a screenshot showing a camera view and a 2D graphic with a topview after a collision in a curling event according to one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 4 is another screenshot showing a camera view and 2D graphic with atop view after a collision in a curling event according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a screenshot showing a camera view and a 2D graphic with aperspective from the center of the house after a collision in a curlingevent according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a screenshot showing a camera view and a 2D graphic with a topview after a collision in a curling event according to one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 7 is another screenshot showing a camera view and a 2D graphic witha top view after a collision in a curling event according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a screenshot showing a camera view and a 2D graphic with a topview after a throw in a curling event according to one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 9 is a screenshot showing a camera view and a 2D graphic from aperspective of a thrower after a throw in a curling event according toone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is another screenshot showing a camera view and 2D graphic froma perspective of a thrower after the throw in a curling event accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a screenshot showing a camera view and a 2D graphic accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a screenshot showing a camera view and a 2D graphic with atop view after a throw in a curling event according to one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 13 is another screenshot showing a 2D graphic after a throw in acurling event according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a screenshot showing 2D graphics with a top view illustratingthe path of a stone in a curling event according to one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 15 is another screenshot showing 2D graphics with a top viewillustrating the path of a stone in a curling event according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is another screenshot showing 2D graphics with a top viewillustrating the path of a stone in a curling event according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of a cloud-based system of the presentinvention according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides systems and methods for videopresentation and analytics for live sporting events. At least twotracking cameras are used for tracking objects during a live sportingevent and generate video feeds to a server processor. The serverprocessor is operable to match the video feeds and create a 3D model ofthe world based on the video feeds from the at least two trackingcameras. 2D graphics are created from different perspectives based onthe 3D model. Statistical data and analytical data related to objectmovement are produced and displayed on the 2D graphics. The presentinvention also provides a standard file format for object movement inspace over a timeline across multiple sports.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the present inventionprovides systems and methods for video presentation and analytics forcurling. In recent years, curling as a sport has gained popularity atregional and international levels. However, the broadcasting of curlingevents is still lacking video enhancement compared to other sports, forexample, baseball, basketball and football. Tracking and statisticaldata related to curling stone movement are not available for TVbroadcasting even at Olympic or world championship level, not to mentionfor training and coaching. The present invention provides systems andmethods for tracking the movement of curling stones and providingvarious movement data over a timeline. The present invention alsoprovides advanced analytics, predictions and projections, which can beused for training, coaching, strategy developing, betting, and otherpurposes. The present invention improves viewing experience and viewerengagement, and provides a coaching tool for improving playerperformance.

The detailed description of the present invention includes cameratracking, video enhancement and telestration, which are described in thefollowing issued patents, by common assignee SportsMedia TechnologyCorp.: U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,304,665, 6,266,100, 6,292,130, 7,075,556,7,492,363, 7,750,901, 7,928,976, 6,456,232, 7,341,530, 8,456,526,8,335,345, 8,705,799, 8,558,883, 5,917,553, 6,141,060, 7,154,540, and6,133,946, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety.

In one embodiment of the present invention, two tracking cameras aredeployed above a curling sheet. Each tracking camera is configured withpan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) control. Each tracking camera is operable to captureits field of view and produce real-time two-dimensional (2D) videostreams. Each tracking camera is configured with a local processor. The2D video streams from the two tracking cameras are processed in thelocal processors and fed into a server processor. A three-dimensional(3D) model is created based on the video streams from the two trackingcameras, and the 3D model represents the movement of the curling stonesand the curlers and other activities within the curling rink. In oneembodiment, the origin of the 3D model is the center of the curlingsheet, and the origins of the 2D video streams from the two trackingcameras are at the locations of the two tracking cameras respectively.

In one embodiment, the two tracking cameras cover more than one curlingsheet. In another embodiment, more than two tracking cameras aredeployed over a curling rink comprising a multicity of curling sheets.The more than two tracking cameras cover all the activities on themultiplicity of curling sheets. For example, four tracking cameras aredeployed to cover the whole curling rink. Activities on each curlingsheet are captured in an alternate manner.

In one embodiment, a 2D graphic is rendered for the curling eventshowing the top view of the curling rink. In another embodiment, a 2Dgraphic represents the perspective from a curling stone. In yet anotherembodiment, a 2D graphic represents the perspective from the center of acircular target (“house” in curling terminology). In one embodiment, the2D graphic is displayed with live broadcasting within one screen. Inanother embodiment, the 2D graphic is displayed on a second screen. Whena user clicks on the 2D graphic, the 3D coordinates of the clicked pointare calculated by the server processor based on the 3D model; and the 3Dcoordinates are displayed at the clicked point on the 2D graphic. Theserver processor is further operable to calculate the center of the massand 3D coordinates of the curling stone. In one embodiment, a velocity(including speed and direction) of a curling stone at its release iscalculated and displayed on the 2D graphics. A path of a curling stoneon the curling sheet is illustrated on the 2D graphics. The path of thecurling stone can be a curl. The curl refers to a curling stone movingaway from a straight line. In one embodiment, the biggest curl isillustrated on the 2D graphic, which is denoted by an angle with respectto the direction at its release. The velocities and the paths aredisplayed on the 2D graphic based on calculations within the 3D model bythe server processor.

Statistical data related to the curling stone movement is also providedby the sever processor based on the rendered 3D model. The statisticaldata includes a distance between a curling stone and the center line,and a distance between the curling stone and the center of the circulartarget (“house” in curling terminology) in a curling event. Statisticaldata also includes a velocity (“weight” in curling terminology), arotation (“turn” or “curl” in curling terminology), and a direction(“line” in curling terminology) of a curling stone at its initialrelease and while it is travelling on the curling sheet.

In one embodiment, the server processor comprises an intelligenceengine. The intelligence engine includes rule sets for scoring incurling. In one embodiment, the intelligence engine is configured withartificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning algorithms for advancedanalytics and predictions. For example, an intended path and endpoint ofa curling stone is projected based on the past and current state of thecurling stone considering the curling sheet condition and the brushingeffect. Also for example, a collision is predicted based on a projectedpath. Machine learning algorithms are also used for training purposes.For example, what effective options and strategies there are in order toscore most points, what an optimal throw looks like based on the numberand positions of thrown stones on the curling sheet, etc. In oneembodiment, the AI or machine learning algorithm is based on multiplesets of training data. The multiple sets of training data are a subsetof historical data. Each of U.S. Pat. No. 9,922,286 titled “Detectingand Correcting Anomalies in Computer-Based Reasoning Systems” and U.S.application Ser. No. 15/900,398 is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety.

In one embodiment, the server processor is operable to store and accessvarious data for advanced analytics, predictions and projections, forexample but not for limitation, historical data related to curlingevents and curlers, environmental data for a live curling event,biometric data of the curlers, personal factors related to the curlersduring a period before and after the live curling event, etc. Historicaldata includes scoring data, performance data, biometric data, andpersonal factors for the curlers during one or more historical events,and environmental data for the one or more historical events in oneembodiment. Environmental data includes ice temperature, airtemperature, humidity level, pebble condition, and other factorsaffecting the condition of the curling sheet. Examples of biometric datainclude weight, height, hydration, heart rate, fatigue, blood pressure,body temperature, blood sugar level, blood composition, alertness, etc.Personal factors also affect or have previously affected the performanceof a curler. By way of example and not limitation, personal factorsinclude family matters within a certain period before and/or after thelive curling event, such as a wedding, a funeral, a birth of a child,etc.

In one embodiment, the systems and methods in the present invention areused for video enhancement with graphics and statistics. The enhancedvideos are displayed on video walls and/or viewed on mobile devices. Thesystems and methods of the present invention also provide intelligenceincluding advanced analytics, predictions and projections forbroadcasting, coaching, betting and other purposes. Graphic UserInterfaces (GUIs) and functions are customized for specific displayinginstruments. For example, in TV broadcasting, a telestrator is operableto draw and mark over the graphics. Also for example, optimal throws,sweeping strategies and other strategy related data is provided anddisplayed to trainers and trainees.

FIG. 1 is a screenshot showing a camera view and a 2D graphic with a topview illustrating a collision in a curling event according to oneembodiment of the present invention. The 2D graphic is on the right ofthe camera view of the curling event, both of which are shown in thesame screen. The distance between the center of a stone No. 1 and thecenter line C of the curling sheet is −5 centimeters, which means stoneNo. 1 is on the left of the center line based on the camera view inFIG. 1. Line D goes through the center of the house and is vertical tocenter line C. The distance between the center of the stone No. 2 andline D, or the “vertical distance” between the center of stone No. 2 andthe center of the house, is 203 centimeters. Line B is on the right sideand in parallel of the center line C. Line Y represents the path ofstone No. 2. A shaded area S between the center line C and the path ofstone No. 2 line Y represents the area swept by the corresponding team(team Canada), denoted as area S.

FIG. 2 is a screenshot showing a camera view and a 2D graphic with aperspective from the center of the house illustrating a collision in acurling event in one embodiment of the present invention. The distancebetween stone No. 2 and line D (shown in FIG. 1) is 196 centimeters.Line D goes through the center of the house and is vertical to centerline C.

FIG. 3 is a screenshot showing a camera view and a 2D graphic with a topview after a collision in a curling event according to one embodiment ofthe present invention. The distance between the center of a stone No. 1and the center line C of the curling sheet is −6 centimeters, whichmeans stone No. 1 is on the left of the center line C based on thecamera view in FIG. 3. The distance between stone No. 2 and line D(shown in FIG. 1) is 189 centimeters. Line D goes through the center ofthe house and is vertical to center line C. Line Y represents the pathof stone No. 2. The shaded area S between line Y and line B is the sweptarea by the corresponding team (team Canada).

FIG. 4 is a screenshot showing a camera view and 2D graphic with a topview after a collision in a curling event according to one embodiment ofthe present invention. The distance between the center of stone No. 1and the center line C of the curling sheet is −6 centimeters, whichmeans stone No. 1 is on the left of the center line C based on thecamera view in FIG. 4. The distance between stone No. 2 and line D(shown in FIG. 1) is 189 centimeters. Line D goes through the center ofthe house and is vertical to center line C. Line Y represents the pathof stone No. 2. The shaded area S between line Y and line B is the sweptarea by the corresponding team (team Canada). Line R represents the pathof stone No. 3.

FIG. 5 is a screenshot showing a camera view and a 2D graphic with aperspective from the center of the house after a collision in a curlingevent according to one embodiment of the present invention. The distancebetween stone No. 2 and line D (shown in FIG. 1) is 189 meters. Line Dgoes through the center of the house and is vertical to center line C.Line Y represents the path of stone No. 2. Line R represents the path ofstone No. 3 from the opposite team.

FIG. 6 is a screenshot showing a camera view and a 2D graphic with a topview after a collision in a curling event according to one embodiment ofthe present invention. The distance between the center of stone No. 1and the center line C of the curling sheet is −6 centimeters, whichmeans stone No. 1 is on the left of the center line C based on thecamera view in FIG. 6. Line D goes through the center of the house andis vertical to center line C. The distance between stone No. 2 and lineD is 189 centimeters. Line Y represents the path of stone No. 2. Theshaded area between line Y and center line C is the area swept by thestone No. 2's team (team Canada). Line R represents the path of stoneNo. 3 from the opposite team.

FIG. 7 is a screenshot showing a camera view and a 2D graphic with a topview after a collision in a curling event according to one embodiment ofthe present invention. The distance between the center of stone No. 1and the center line C of the curling sheet is −6 centimeters, whichmeans stone No. 1 is on the left of the center line C based on thecamera view in FIG. 7. Line D goes through the center of the house andis vertical to center line C. The distance between stone No. 2 and lineD is 189 centimeters. Line Y represents the path of stone No. 2. Line Rrepresents the path of stone No. 3 from the opposite team.

FIGS. 1-7 illustrate the path of stone No. 2 before and after it hitsstone No. 3. Notably, there is a curl on the path of stone No. 2 as aresult of sweeping in order to hit stone No. 3. After hitting stone No.3, stone No. 2 moved closer to the center line C. FIGS. 3-7 alsoillustrate the path of stone No. 3 after being hit by stone No. 2. Theoriginal position of stone No. 2 is in outer most ring area of thehouse. After being hit, stone No. 3 comes to rest in the middle ringarea of the house.

FIGS. 8-13 illustrate the last stone on team Canada.

FIG. 8 is a screenshot showing a camera view and a 2D graphic with a topview after a throw in a curling event according to one embodiment of thepresent invention. The distance between the thrown stone and line D(shown in FIG. 1) is 3120 centimeters. Line D goes through the center ofthe house and is vertical to center line C. Line Y represents the pathof the thrown stone. The stone is thrown on the center line C, and itshifts away from the center line C as it travels on the curling sheet.

FIG. 9 is a screenshot showing a camera view and a 2D graphic from aperspective of a thrower after a throw in a curling event according toone embodiment of the present invention. The distance between the thrownstone and line D (shown in FIG. 1) is 2296 centimeters. Line D goesthrough the center of the house and is vertical to center line C. Line Yrepresents the path of the thrown stone.

FIG. 10 is another screenshot showing a camera view and 2D graphic froma perspective of a thrower after the throw in a curling event accordingto one embodiment of the present invention. The distance between thethrown stone and line D (shown in FIG. 1) is 1635 centimeters. Line Dgoes through the center of the house and is vertical to center line C.Line Y represents the path of the thrown stone. The distance between thecenter of the thrown stone and the center line C is 21 centimeters.

FIG. 11 is a screenshot showing a camera view and a 2D graphic from aperspective according to one embodiment of the present invention. Line Yrepresents the path of the thrown stone. The distance between the thrownstone and line D (shown in FIG. 1) is 963 centimeters. Line D goesthrough the center of the house and is vertical to center line C. Thedistance between the center of the thrown stone and the center line C is32 centimeters.

FIG. 12 is a screenshot showing a camera view and a 2D graphic with atop view after a throw in a curling event according to one embodiment ofthe present invention. The distance between the thrown stone and line D(shown in FIG. 1) is 949 centimeters. Line D goes through the center ofthe house and is vertical to center line C. Line Y represents the pathof the thrown stone. The distance between the center of the thrown stoneand the center line C is 33 centimeters. The shaded area between thecenter line C and the path of the thrown stone line Y represents theswept area.

FIG. 13 is another screenshot showing a 2D graphic with a top view aftera throw in a curling event according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. The distance between the thrown stone and line D (shown inFIG. 1) is 942 centimeters. Line D goes through the center of the houseand is vertical to center line C. Line Y represents the path of thethrown stone. The distance between the center of the thrown stone andthe center line C is 32 centimeters. The shaded area between line B andthe path of the thrown stone line Y represents the area swept by thecorresponding team (team Canada).

FIGS. 14-16 are screenshots showing 2D graphics with a top viewillustrating the path of a stone in a curling event according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

Another existing problem in the sports broadcast and analytics until thetime of the present invention is that there is no standard format acrossmultiple sports for a file representing object movement in space over atimeline. 2D video feeds from tracking cameras have individual objectswithin them, but there are no synchronized timelines. In the presentinvention provides a standard file format for recording object movementduring a play along a timeline, which is compatible for multiple sports.This file format is much smaller than a video format, and isannotatable. In one embodiment, the file format is named as .most(multi-object synchronized timeline). In another embodiment, the fileformat is named as .smt (synchronized multi-object timeline).

The present invention is applicable in other sports besides curling,such as football, basketball, and baseball, for object trackingincluding ball tracking and player tracking. In one embodiment, thesystems and methods of the present invention are used in footballtracking and football player tracking in a football game. Videorepresentations for movements of independent objects in space over timeare extracted from a 3D model, which is created based on 2D video feedsfrom tracking cameras, and a .most or .smt file is extracted to show howeach player moved during a drill or a game. The performance of theplayers in the drill or the game can be compared with how they shouldhave performed according to developed strategies.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the inventionillustrating a computer system, generally described as 800, having anetwork 810, a plurality of computing devices 820, 830, 840, a server850, and a database 870.

The server 850 is constructed, configured, and coupled to enablecommunication over a network 810 with a plurality of computing devices820, 830, 840. The server 850 includes a processing unit 851 with anoperating system 852. The operating system 852 enables the server 850 tocommunicate through network 810 with the remote, distributed userdevices. Database 870 may house an operating system 872, memory 874, andprograms 876.

In one embodiment of the invention, the system 800 includes acloud-based network 810 for distributed communication via a wirelesscommunication antenna 812 and processing by at least one mobilecommunication computing device 830. Alternatively, wireless and wiredcommunication and connectivity between devices and components describedherein include wireless network communication such as WI-FI, WORLDWIDEINTEROPERABILITY FOR MICROWAVE ACCESS (WIMAX), Radio Frequency (RF)communication including RF identification (RFID), NEAR FIELDCOMMUNICATION (NFC), BLUETOOTH including BLUETOOTH LOW ENERGY (BLE),ZIGBEE, Infrared (IR) communication, cellular communication, satellitecommunication, Universal Serial Bus (USB), Ethernet communications,communication via fiber-optic cables, coaxial cables, twisted paircables, and/or any other type of wireless or wired communication. Inanother embodiment of the invention, the system 800 is a virtualizedcomputing system capable of executing any or all aspects of softwareand/or application components presented herein on the computing devices820, 830, 840. In certain aspects, the computer system 800 may beimplemented using hardware or a combination of software and hardware,either in a dedicated computing device, or integrated into anotherentity, or distributed across multiple entities or computing devices.

By way of example, and not limitation, the computing devices 820, 830,840 are intended to represent various forms of digital computers 820,840, 850 and mobile devices 830, such as a server, blade server,mainframe, mobile phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), smartphone,desktop computer, netbook computer, tablet computer, workstation,laptop, and other similar computing devices. The components shown here,their connections and relationships, and their functions, are meant tobe exemplary only, and are not meant to limit implementations of theinvention described and/or claimed in this document

In one embodiment, the computing device 820 includes components such asa processor 860, a system memory 862 having a random access memory (RAM)864 and a read-only memory (ROM) 866, and a system bus 868 that couplesthe memory 862 to the processor 860. In another embodiment, thecomputing device 830 may additionally include components such as astorage device 890 for storing the operating system 892 and one or moreapplication programs 894, a network interface unit 896, and/or aninput/output controller 898. Each of the components may be coupled toeach other through at least one bus 868. The input/output controller 898may receive and process input from, or provide output to, a number ofother devices 899, including, but not limited to, alphanumeric inputdevices, mice, electronic styluses, display units, touch screens, signalgeneration devices (e.g., speakers), or printers.

By way of example, and not limitation, the processor 860 may be ageneral-purpose microprocessor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)),a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microcontroller, a Digital SignalProcessor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), aField Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a Programmable Logic Device (PLD),a controller, a state machine, gated or transistor logic, discretehardware components, or any other suitable entity or combinationsthereof that can perform calculations, process instructions forexecution, and/or other manipulations of information.

In another implementation, shown as 840 in FIG. 17, multiple processors860 and/or multiple buses 868 may be used, as appropriate, along withmultiple memories 862 of multiple types (e.g., a combination of a DSPand a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or moremicroprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core).

Also, multiple computing devices may be connected, with each deviceproviding portions of the necessary operations (e.g., a server bank, agroup of blade servers, or a multi-processor system). Alternatively,some steps or methods may be performed by circuitry that is specific toa given function.

According to various embodiments, the computer system 800 may operate ina networked environment using logical connections to local and/or remotecomputing devices 820, 830, 840, 850 through a network 810. A computingdevice 830 may connect to a network 810 through a network interface unit896 connected to a bus 868. Computing devices may communicatecommunication media through wired networks, direct-wired connections orwirelessly, such as acoustic, RF, or infrared, through an antenna 897 incommunication with the network antenna 812 and the network interfaceunit 896, which may include digital signal processing circuitry whennecessary. The network interface unit 896 may provide for communicationsunder various modes or protocols.

In one or more exemplary aspects, the instructions may be implemented inhardware, software, firmware, or any combinations thereof. A computerreadable medium may provide volatile or non-volatile storage for one ormore sets of instructions, such as operating systems, data structures,program modules, applications, or other data embodying any one or moreof the methodologies or functions described herein. The computerreadable medium may include the memory 862, the processor 860, and/orthe storage media 890 and may be a single medium or multiple media(e.g., a centralized or distributed computer system) that store the oneor more sets of instructions 900. Non-transitory computer readable mediaincludes all computer readable media, with the sole exception being atransitory, propagating signal per se. The instructions 900 may furtherbe transmitted or received over the network 810 via the networkinterface unit 896 as communication media, which may include a modulateddata signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism andincludes any delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means asignal that has one or more of its characteristics changed or set in amanner as to encode information in the signal.

Storage devices 890 and memory 862 include, but are not limited to,volatile and non-volatile media such as cache, RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM,FLASH memory, or other solid state memory technology; discs (e.g.,digital versatile discs (DVD), HD-DVD, BLU-RAY, compact disc (CD), orCD-ROM) or other optical storage; magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape,magnetic disk storage, floppy disks, or other magnetic storage devices;or any other medium that can be used to store the computer readableinstructions and which can be accessed by the computer system 800.

It is also contemplated that the computer system 800 may not include allof the components shown in FIG. 17, may include other components thatare not explicitly shown in FIG. 17, or may utilize an architecturecompletely different than that shown in FIG. 17. The variousillustrative logical blocks, modules, elements, circuits, and algorithmsdescribed in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may beimplemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinationsof both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware andsoftware, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits,and steps have been described above generally in terms of theirfunctionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware orsoftware depends upon the particular application and design constraintsimposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement thedescribed functionality in varying ways for each particular application(e.g., arranged in a different order or partitioned in a different way),but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing adeparture from the scope of the present invention.

Certain modifications and improvements will occur to those skilled inthe art upon a reading of the foregoing description. The above-mentionedexamples are provided to serve the purpose of clarifying the aspects ofthe invention and it will be apparent to one skilled in the art thatthey do not serve to limit the scope of the invention. All modificationsand improvements have been deleted herein for the sake of concisenessand readability but are properly within the scope of the presentinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for video presentation and analytics ofa live sporting event, comprising: at least two cameras and at least onedisplaying device constructed and configured for network communicationwith a server platform; wherein the at least two cameras are operable totrack at least one object in the live sporting event and transmittwo-dimensional (2D) video data to the server platform; wherein theserver platform is operable to render a three-dimensional (3D) worldmodel comprising the at least one object in the live sporting eventbased on the 2D video data; wherein the server platform is operable togenerate at least one 2D graphic illustrating the at least one objectfrom at least one perspective based on the 3D world model; wherein theserver platform is operable to provide analytics, projections, andpredictions at least based on the 2D video data, historical data,environmental data, and biometric data; and wherein the at least onedisplaying device is operable to display and interact with the at leastone 2D graphic via a graphical user interface (GUI).
 2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the at least two cameras are configured withpan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) control.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the atleast one perspective is from the at least one object.
 4. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the analytics, projections, and predictions are furtherbased on personal factors of players in the live sporting event.
 5. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the historical data comprises historicalscoring data, historical performance data, historical biometric data,historical environmental data, and historical personal factors duringone or more historical events.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein theserver platform comprises an intelligence engine including rules setsfor the live sporting event, and wherein the intelligence engine isconfigured with an artificial intelligence algorithm.
 7. A system forvideo presentation and analytics of a live curling event, comprising: atleast two cameras and at least one displaying device constructed andconfigured for network communication with a server platform; wherein theat least two cameras are operable to track at least one curling stone onat least one curling sheet in the live curling event and transmittwo-dimensional (2D) video data to the server platform; wherein theserver platform is operable to render a three-dimensional (3D) worldmodel comprising the at least one curling stone in the live curlingevent based on the 2D video data; wherein the server platform isoperable to generate at least one 2D graphic illustrating the at leastone curling stone from at least one perspective based on the 3D worldmodel; wherein the server platform is operable to provide analytics,projections, and predictions at least based on the 2D video data,historical data, environmental data, and biometric data; and wherein theat least one displaying device is operable to display and interact withthe at least one 2D graphic via a graphical user interface (GUI).
 8. Thesystem of claim 7, wherein the 3D world model further comprises curlermovements and other activities on the at least one curling sheet in thelive curling event.
 9. The system of claim 7, wherein the origin of the3D world model is the center of the at least one curling sheet.
 10. Thesystem of claim 7, wherein the origins of the 2D video data from the atleast two cameras are locations of the at least two camerasrespectively.
 11. The system of claim 7, wherein the at least twocameras comprise four cameras covering a whole curling rink, and whereinactivities on each curling sheet of the whole curling rink are trackedin an alternate manner.
 12. The system of claim 7, wherein the at leastone perspective is from the at least one curling stone.
 13. The systemof claim 7, wherein the at least one perspective is from a center of acircular target on the at least one curling sheet.
 14. The system ofclaim 7, wherein the environmental data comprises ice temperature, airtemperature, humidity level, pebble condition, and other factorsaffecting the condition of the at least one curling sheet.
 15. Thesystem of claim 7, wherein the biometric data comprises weight, height,hydration, heart rate, fatigue, blood pressure, body temperature, bloodsugar level, blood composition, and alertness.
 16. The system of claim7, wherein the server platform is further operable to project a path ofthe at least one curling stone, and wherein the at least one displayingdevice is operable to display the projected path on the at least one 2Dgraphic.
 17. The system of claim 7, wherein the at least one displayingdevice is operable to display a swept area with intensity indication onthe at least one 2D graphic.
 18. The system of claim 7, wherein the atleast one displaying device is operable to display statistical data onthe at least one 2D graphic, wherein the statistical data comprises adistance between the at least one curling stone and a center line of theat least one curling sheet, a distance between the at least one curlingstone and a center of a circular target, a velocity of the at least onecurling stone, a rotation of the at least one curling stone, and adirection of the at least one curling stone.
 19. A method for videopresentation and analytics of a live sporting event, comprising:providing at least two cameras and at least one displaying deviceconstructed and configured for network communication with a serverplatform; the at least two cameras tracking at least one object in thelive sporting event and transmitting two-dimensional (2D) video data tothe server platform in real time; the server platform rendering athree-dimensional (3D) world model including the at least one object inthe live sporting event based on the 2D video data; the server platformgenerating at least one 2D graphic illustrating the at least one objectfrom at least one perspective based on the 3D world model; the serverplatform performing analytics, projections, and predictions at leastbased on the 2D video data, historical data, environmental data, andbiometric data; and the at least one displaying device displaying the atleast one 2D graphic via an interactive graphical user interface (GUI).20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the server platformperforming analytics, projections, and predictions with a machinelearning algorithm.